On the predictions and limitations of the BeckerDoring model for reaction kinetics in micellar surfactant solutions

Journal article

We investigate the breakdown of a system of micellar aggregates in a surfactant solution following an order-one dilution. We derive a mathematical model based on the Becker–Döring system of equations, using realistic expressions for the reaction constants fit to Molecular Dynamics simulations. We exploit the largeness of typical aggregation numbers to derive a continuum model, substituting a large system of ordinary differential equations for a partial differential equation in two independent...

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Authors: Griffiths, I; Bain, C; Breward, C; Colegate, D; Howell, P

• Publication date: 2011-01-01